To the ancient Greeks and Romans, heroic men were admired not just for their skills and athleticism but also for possessing attributes that set them apart as cultured, considerate and respectful of their gods, community and family. Heroes excelled in battle, and defending their community and succeeding in quests were seen as fundamental. So we find representations of men taking part and competing in activities such as hunting, riding, athletic competitions, theatre, music and symposia. Excellence identified the best in a community, as well as reinforcing the skills a society valued.
Heroic ideals
20 November 2023
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Detail of the Athenian red-figure bell-krater
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Apulian red-figure volute-krater
Attributed to the Ganymede Painter, Canosa, ca 330–320 BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1975
H 74.6cm, Dm 40.2cm
JLMC 158.75
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Apulian red-figure volute-krater
Attributed to the Ganymede Painter, Canosa, ca 330–320 BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1975
H 74.6cm, Dm 40.2cm
JLMC 158.75
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Apulian red-figure volute-krater
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Athenian red-figure column-krater
Attributed to the Harrow Painter, ca 470 BCE
Purchased, 1997
H 39.2cm, Dm 32.8cm
JLMC 182.97
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Athenian red-figure column-krater
Attributed to the Harrow Painter, ca 470 BCE
Purchased, 1997
H 39.2cm, Dm 32.8cm
JLMC 182.97
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Athenian red-figure column-krater
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Attic Siana cup
Attributed to the C Painter, ca 570–560 BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1957
H 13.3cm, Dm 26.7cm
JLMC 39.57
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Attic Siana cup
Attributed to the C Painter, ca 570–560 BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1957
H 13.3cm, Dm 26.7cm
JLMC 39.57
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Attic Siana cup
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Plaster cast of an apobates contest
After an original statue base in the Athens Acropolis Museum (Inv.1326), from the Acropolis, ca 300 BCE
Purchased, 1989
H 42cm, W 86cm
JLMC CC35
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Plaster cast of an apobates contest
After an original statue base in the Athens Acropolis Museum (Inv.1326), from the Acropolis, ca 300 BCE
Purchased, 1989
H 42cm, W 86cm
JLMC CC35
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Plaster cast of an apobates contest
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Siana cup
Attributed to the Griffin Bird Painter, ca 560–550 BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1957
H 12cm, Dm 22cm
JLMC 40.57
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Siana cup
Attributed to the Griffin Bird Painter, ca 560–550 BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1957
H 12cm, Dm 22cm
JLMC 40.57
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Siana cup
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Roman floor mosaic
Syrian, 5th or 6th century CE
Purchased, 2000
H 115cm, W 164cm
JLMC 187.00
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Roman floor mosaic
Syrian, 5th or 6th century CE
Purchased, 2000
H 115cm, W 164cm
JLMC 187.00
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Roman floor mosaic
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Athenian red-figure bell-krater
Attributed to the Kadmos Painter, ca 410–400 BCE
Purchased, 1994
H 29.4cm, Dm 31.5cm
JLMC 177.94
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Athenian red-figure bell-krater
Attributed to the Kadmos Painter, ca 410–400 BCE
Purchased, 1994
H 29.4cm, Dm 31.5cm
JLMC 177.94
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Athenian red-figure bell-krater
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Campanian red-figure hydria
Attributed to the Column Painter, late 4th century BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1970
H 21.8cm, Dm 14.2cm
JLMC 103.70
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Campanian red-figure hydria
Attributed to the Column Painter, late 4th century BCE
Donated by M.K. Steven, 1970
H 21.8cm, Dm 14.2cm
JLMC 103.70
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Campanian red-figure hydria
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Athenian red-figure kylix
Attributed to the Foundry Painter, ca 480 BCE
Purchased, 1953
H 9.1cm, Dm 31cm
JLMC 17.53
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Athenian red-figure kylix
Attributed to the Foundry Painter, ca 480 BCE
Purchased, 1953
H 9.1cm, Dm 31cm
JLMC 17.53
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Athenian red-figure kylix
